Condolences and Solidarity from the CBCE
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia (CBCE) has issued a powerful statement of sorrow and solidarity in response to the recent deadly incidents near Aster in Midegdu, West Hararge, Oromia. The Catholic Church in Ethiopia, one of the country’s longstanding religious institutions, is calling for unity and healing as communities grapple with loss, displacement, and damage to property. The bishops’ message underscores the church’s mission to comfort victims while urging an end to violence that threatens lives and livelihoods across the region.
A Clear Plea for Peace and Protection of Civilians
In a period marked by tension and insecurity, the CBCE emphasizes the dignity of every human life and the government’s responsibility to safeguard civilians. The bishops’ statement reiterates a call for peaceful dispute resolution, non-violence, and the protection of vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly who bear the heaviest burden during conflicts. By appealing to local communities, security forces, and political leaders, the CBCE seeks to convert sorrow into constructive action that prevents further harm and fosters stability in Oromia and beyond.
Religious Leaders as Agents of Reconciliation
Religion in Ethiopia has long been a conduit for communal resilience. The CBCE’s response aligns with a broader tradition of interfaith and community-led reconciliation. The bishops acknowledge the pain felt by families who have lost loved ones and the need for psychosocial support, humanitarian aid, and safe passage for those displaced. Their message invites clergy, lay leaders, and believers from all faith backgrounds to join hands in relief efforts, dialogue, and mutual respect—an essential pathway to sustainable peace.
Humanitarian and Security Considerations
Beyond condolences, the CBCE calls for practical steps to address immediate needs. This includes accelerating humanitarian assistance to affected communities, ensuring access to food, water, medical care, and shelter for those displaced, and supporting local initiatives that rebuild trust. The bishops also advocate for transparent security measures that protect civilians while upholding the rule of law. In stressing these priorities, the church aims to complement government and civil society efforts, reinforcing a shared commitment to human dignity.
Long-Term Peacebuilding and Dialogue
While responding to the current crisis, the CBCE signals a longer-term vision: a peaceful, inclusive society where grievances are resolved through dialogue and negotiation rather than violence. The bishops propose sustained engagement with community leaders, youth, women’s associations, and civil society to address root causes of conflict, including resource competition, ethnic tensions, and political uncertainty. By promoting education, reconciliation programs, and participatory peacebuilding, the church hopes to contribute to a future where communities in Oromia can coexist with mutual respect and opportunity.
Call to the Global Community
In addition to domestic efforts, the CBCE’s message resonates with Ethiopian families abroad and international partners who follow events in the Horn of Africa. The bishops invite the international community to support humanitarian relief, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding initiatives that align with Ethiopia’s religious and cultural values of solidarity, compassion, and justice. Global partners are urged to work with local faith communities to deliver aid efficiently and to encourage constructive engagement among diverse groups.
Conclusion: A Time for Compassion and Courage
As Ethiopia navigates the aftermath of violence near Midegdu, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia offers a clear and timely framework for healing: mourn with those who grieve, protect the vulnerable, and commit to peaceful, lasting solutions. The call for peace is not merely aspirational; it is a practical imperative that requires courage, collaboration, and compassion from all sectors of society. In this moment of crisis, faith communities like the CBCE remind us that reconciliation is possible when empathy leads to action.
